change.....just is

Well, no matter how much I think i will do better at the blog thing... I just never hang in there. Yet, not willing to give it up! We'll just see what happens.

As always, much has changed since my last entry. I believe it is called life. I am not going to attempt to recap all that has taken place in the last few months, but many of the things you would expect have taken place. The kids have grown, learned many new things, and keep our lives an ever exciting adventure. We are looking forward to a fun summer. Hopeing we find time to go to the pool, have a few picnics, see some movies, take a few trips.. all the fun stuff summer should be filled with!! Hopefully I will be able to post some pictures and share a glimpse into our life.

I hope that all of you have a great week and will check back to see what all is going on. If you notice "too much" time has gone by without an update, you might give me a nudge...



Jen

Happy Birthday Samuel!

Today is a special day... December 7th is the day I became a mother. December 7th is the day Samuel Ross Dunn entered this world. In seven short years, that very special little man made a great impact on the world around him. In seven short years he taought me so much. My life was forever changed the day he arrived. It was also forever changed the day he left this world. The seven years and one day in between were filled with tears, laughter, lessons, and joy. The four years that he has been gone have been long and hard. I know though, that one day I will again see my beautiful blue-eyed little boy. One day he will take me on a grand tour of Heaven, and tell me all about the things he has seen and experienced there. For now I can only do what I can to keep his memory alive and honor his life.

December 1

December is here with all of the hustle and bustle that goes with the Christmas season. It can leave you so stressed out and, if you are not careful, drained of any of the joy that is suppose to be part of the season. This year we have committed to focus more on the real reason for the season. I want to make sure that my children realize God's gift of Jesus is the whole reason - not just for the the season, but the reason for everything. I also hope we can teach them that the "other" things we associate with Christmas -love, peace, joy, kindness, generosity - are not just about Christmas, but rather Christ-likeness. They are the things we should strive to show everyday, not just for a season...

Knocking at My heart

Knocking at My heart
Hammering me on the head

I love the way my Father can drive a point home, over and over and over. Of course, I admit that if I would listen and learn my lessons a bit more quickly, maybe He would not have to be so repetitive… but that is another topic for another day. Today I just want to look back at a lesson He has taught me over the last several weeks and be thankful for the fact that my Father loves me enough to care and take such an active role in my life.

Hannah’s Prayer
Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.
“There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
“Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.
“The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.
“The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.
“For the foundations of the earth are the LORD'S; upon them he has set the world.
He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
“It is not by strength that one prevails;
those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder against them from heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth.
“He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
I Samuel 2:1-10


Isn’t that just the most beautiful prayer?
I was awestruck at the depth and sincerity Hannah displayed. I claim to love the LORD, but do I express such adoration – ever?

Over the last several weeks, my Father has really been dealing with me about my heart condition. I must admit that my heart has been grieved, angry, selfish, and just plain mean at times. I have been convicted for this and am not proud of the thoughts and feelings I have harbored. I am blessed to have a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to show me how I have acted, yet still forgive me and tell me He wants better than that for me. He also has shown me that the first step is to desire Him above all else, to want to engulf myself in worship and praise of this amazing God who loves me in spite of myself. I NEED a heart like Hannah’s.

A new direction

I apologize for how long it has been since my last post. I have been missing my blog, but life has a way of happening and filling up my time. I know many, if not all of you can relate. There is so much that has happened in the last several months, it will take more than one post to catch up. I hope to post a series of posts over the next several days so that I can fill everyone in on the happenings in our lives. Trust, though, that everyone is well and God is good and we are enjoying the adventure.

tonight I wanted to share something that my Father has laid on my heart recently. Actually it would be more accurate to say He has been hammering at the door of my heart with this lesson...Which direction in life am I and my family headed?
It all started when a Friend posted a comment online regarding an ad she had seen that made her stop and think... The jest of it was this," The opposite of poverty is not wealth. The opposite of poverty is enough." Well, let me tell you, that thought hit me right smack in the face!! I have not been able to get it out of my mind since reading it. I have been so willing to indulge in self-pity-parties and roll around in the "woe is me" muck, that I had began to see myself as poor and deprived. How ashamed I am to admit that! It is disrespectful and dishonoring to my Father. You see, i am rich beyond measure and I have an inheritance awaiting me that is beyond compare. I am a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!! My wealth will be weighed upon Heavenly scales, not according to earthly standards. I am not only talking about the riches that I will one day have in my eternal home. I am also talking about the riches my Father has bestowed upon me here in this life time. I am not poor by any stretch of the imagination. I have more than enough...

For the rest of the month, I want to share the many things I am thankful for...

Tonight I will begin my list of gratitude.

I am so very thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves beyond measure and provides generously for both my needs and my wants. He loved me enough...

I am also thankful for a wonderful, Godly husband who loves me and honors me everyday. I am so blessed to have a husband who loves my Father more than anything and who models a loyal and abiding faith for me and our children. Roscoe is my best friend and my soul mate. I have no doubt that my Father created him specifically for me.
Ok, it is time for me to head to bed. It has been a long day, adn tomorrow is already full of plans and adventure. There is so much more I want to share with you, so please join me tomorrow for part II.

We had a busy and fun 4th. We went to Crowell, TX for Roscoe's uncle's 75th Birthday. It was really nice to spend time with quite a bit of his family. The kids got to shoot fire works and had an absolute blast!!! (Pun fully intended!!)

Rachel: (The one with the sparklers is my current favorite of her...)



Noah learning to set off fire works. Don't worry there was an adult close by at all times!!



Well, I have to run. I have to get everybody cleaned up and ready. We are having family pictures made this evening....

reynolds family reunion

For those of you who are not related.... sorry!!